Thursday, December 15, 2011

A Conscious Choice + Giveaway

Conscious Box is a monthly delivery of pure and sustainable products that are handpicked from businesses that care for the planet, just like you do.
December Conscious Box
Now, what you do is subscribe for their monthly delivery of wonderful products. It totals about $19 for 1 month which includes the shipping. You can get more for less as well. You can choose between a 3 month and 6 month subscriptions. The longer the subscription, the more you save. They really do stuff these boxes full too. When I first received the box I was surprised at how "small" it was and wondered how could they possibly fit anything in here! I opened it up and was shocked by all the wonderful samples inside! I'm really excited to have discovered these companies I've never heard of that make products safe for us and our environment.


What will you find in your Conscious Box?
  • Get a variety of unique pure & natural products every month
  • From organic food to vegan beauty products, you’re sure to find new favorites
  • Discover ethical and purpose-driven businesses of all sizes
  • Get content on daily living tips, exciting monthly themes, and creative ways to use your box!
Conscious Box Mission:
Conscious Box is dedicated to introducing you to the most ethical, sustainable, and honest businesses that create the purest products available. We scour the marketplace to find those that stand above the rest. Discovery defines the Conscious Box experience.


That's how great these people are at Conscious Box! They do all the hard work for you.  All you need to do is order the box, and you can be sure that whoever receives the box will have the best of the best.


"Like" them on Facebook
"Follow" them on Twitter
And then there's nothing else to do but Get the Box

GIVEAWAY TIME
1 Winner will receive the January Conscious Box. (I hear it's AMAZING)

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Extreme Couponing: All Your Questions Answered



I wouldn't classify myself as an extreme couponer. I do collect coupons from my neighbors, I am part of a coupon train, and I do carry a binder of coupons everywhere I go. OK, maybe a little extreme. I thought I knew everything I needed to be a successful saver at the store. I had the privilege of reviewing an awesome video program called "Couponing: The Extreme Video Course." This course will teach you all the right ways of couponing to get the most savings. This course does teach the basics, and I knew a lot of the things already, but I learned a few things too. You don't have to do the course all at once either. Watch them at your own pace, and take it all in. If you forget something, go back and watch it again.

Who teaches the course?
Rayven Perkins, a 10 year couponing guru. She has "helped thousands of women (and a few men) learn how to use coupons to save them money each time they shop, and have helped make it possible for them to stay home with their kids. As someone who understands how saving up to $5,000 -OR MORE- a year can make a drastic difference in a family's lifestyle, I've helped moms across the country understand that a using coupons can make your life easier, and more complete."

What's included in this course?
  • 14 Couponing Videos to teach you absolutely everything you need to know on how to start shopping like the pros
  • 7 Rules to Couponing you need to learn to maximize your savings
  • How to set up a coupon binder to keep your coupons and store sales organized and portable
  • What to do with your stockpile to keep it under control as you'll soon be filling every nook and cranny in your home with your deals
  • Store specific guides to help you learn how to shop with rewards cards and store coupons 
  • How to handle jealous cashiers that will try their best to prevent your deals from happening 
  • 2 Bonus Videos one, on couponing resources, and the other, on how to save drastic amounts of money on food...without using coupons 
**BONUS VIDEOS will be available on December 15, 2011; the rest of the course available instantly
  • Members Only Resource Website the perfect place to go to get quick links to coupon sites and resources throughout the web 
  • Couponing Workbook for those who learn better by reading, or for those who would like to print off a handy reference guide 

Not only all that awesomeness, but also a 90 Day, No-Hassle, 100% Money Back Guarantee!

If you would like more info about this course and saving money then check out stay a stay at home mom.


 







I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

TruKid + Giveaway


I TOLD YOU WE WOULD BE HOSTING A GIVEAWAY THIS MONTH!.

First, I have to tell you that you must read the story about the creator of TruKid products. Jennifer is truly inspiring. 6 KIDS...OH YEAH...you read right!
 I just love their philosophy too: We encourage kids to form healthy habits that last a lifetime. By combining all natural skincare with fun and education, TruKid™ cultivates a relationship between healthy habits and being a kid. In turn, our goal is that kids will grow up taking care of themselves, each other and their environment. From our Friendly Face Wash™ to our Funny Foot Cream™, families receive only the best in ingredients, attention and dedication to their well being.

My kids got to try out a few products. They liked every one of them of course. The Bubbly Body Wash was a hit! The more bubbles the better, and they made some bubbles! My girls have very sensitive skin so it's nice to find a product that doesn't dry them out and irritate their skin. This all natural cleanser smells like a mild coconut. This is a mild, safe cleanser for skin that effectively removes surface oil, and dirt without stripping or drying sensitive skin. It's great for my kids so I will definitely be purchasing more in the future.

The other item my kids tried out was the Silly Shampoo. TruKid's Silly Shampoo is a mild, safe cleanser for kids' sensitive skin and hair that effectively removes surface oil, and dirt without stripping natural oils. Lightly scented with TruKids essential oil blend, there are no parabens, SLS, artificial colors or fragrances in this biodegradable formula. Another great product for kids with sensitive skin! I love using this on my kids' hair. It doesn't have a strong smell and does what it is supposed to do. My kids hair is so soft and shiny after we're done. The best natural shampoo I've found that doesn't irritate my daughters' skin! The pump is great to because it makes it easy for the kids when the';re on their little independent streaks. They can do it themselves without getting too much.


We also had the privilege of trying out this new product called Rockin' Rash Relief. It was perfect timing because my daughter had just developed a blister from her new shoes. It was pretty nasty too. I put the ointment on and it didn't sting her! That is truly a first! It's not a thick creamy medicine either, so none of that pushing and pulling on the skin when you apply it. It goes on easily and then cover with a band-aid. This ointment provides a natural relief from everyday emergencies: cuts, scrapes, scratches, and any other skin irritations. Her blister healed within a few days. I seriously need a tube of this stuff!



I LOVE the TruKid products. I already have a list of the items I need to purchase. Which includes the conditioner and hair detangler!

Like TruKid on Facebook
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Subsrice to TruKid's Blog
GIVEAWAY TIME
1 winner will receive the same products we did!
 Bubbly Body Wash & Silly Shampoo
 We received these products from the wonderful people at TruKid for our honest review.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Crayola Innovative Holiday Prize Pack + Giveaway

CONRATULATIONS TERRA S.

We all know Crayola is the greatest source for arts and crafts supplies for the kids (and grownups). You can imagine how my house sounded when we found out we would get to review some great products from Crayola! YES, LOUD SCREAMS OF JOY and thanking Jesus!


The first thing the kids tried out was the Crayola Crayon Tower. I love this! The crayons aren't all over the table and floor anymore. The kids see that the crayons have a special place and they make sure to put them back. This tower makes coloring so much fun with 150 different colors to choose from. The Telescoping Crayon Tower™ compacts neatly for storage and comes with a built-in sharpener for convenience. Retails for $17.99.

The second thing they pulled out of the box was the Crayola Glow Book. My son has the the Glow Board, so he was very happy to do this review. He had 4 boards to color and draw on, which was great! Each kid got their own boards and then put them all together to watch the glowing scene take place. Crayola says this about the Glow Book: Create glowing, moving, animated art! Design your own cartoons, multi-message signs and sequential drawings—the possibilities are endless! Glow markers wipe clean with a damp cloth. Create new images as often as you like! Recommended for children ages 6+, the kit includes one Glow Book with 4 clear pages, 4 animation tracing guides and 6 glow markers and retails for $24.99.



The Crayola Jewelry Boutique allows you to create awesome accessories like necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more! There's a spinner that turns small amounts of Model Magic into swirled beads. All the beads will have their own unique color and look. For a dazzling finish, coat designs with bead glaze. For even more sparkle and pizzazz, add gems, and interchangeable pendant and bracelet charms! Recommended for children ages 6+, each Jewelry Boutique kit includes 8 packs of Crayola Model Magic to mold 160 beads, 5 bracelet charms, 3 pendant charms, 2 shape cutters, a bead dryer rack, 5 toggle sets, 4 earring posts and ear wires, a bead punch, 18 gems, 2 necklace cords, 1 elastic cord, bead glaze, and the Jewelry Boutique Spinner with storage areas and retails for $24.99. My daughter can't wait to make her very own jewelry!

My son is working on his self portrait for an Art Class assignment. Crayola's Ultimate Art Supplies gives them everything they need. This retails for $16.99

This set contains
  • Plastic storage case with organizing trays
  • 8 washable markers
  • 24 crayons
  • 12 short colored pencils
  • Paintbrush
  • 8-count washable watercolor pan
  • 1¼-ounce school glue
  • 1 pair of scissors
  • 25 colored paper sheets
Lots of endless fun for sure! Since my kids are home schooled, we have a lot of arts and crafts lessons because that is their favorite subject! Crayola has helped out our lessons big time. Make sure you sign up for their newsletter!
Check out the Crayola Holiday Gift Guide Website
Like Crayola on Facebook
Follow Crayola on Twitter
GIVEAWAY TIME
Thanks to the wonderful folks at Crayola & My Blog Spark you can win your very own
Crayola Prize Pack


Disclosure: The Crayola Innovative Holiday prize pack, product information and prize pack for giveaway have been provided by Crayola through MyBlogSpark.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Santa, Santa, Santa or Not

It's the Christmas season and the question "What do you tell your kids?" is starting to surface. I just wanted to share how it works in our house. My kids see Santa impersonators and call him Santa. They're not anti-Santa. My youngest doesn't really understand it all to begin with. My other 2 know that it's a regular person like us dressed up in a costume.
I do share the story of St. Nicholas with them. The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.*
The story we tell our kids is of God's greatness and goodness. We open our bibles and read the Christmas story. The greatest gift ever given was God's son Jesus Christ. We now have a hope and peace that can't be replaced or outdid by any human gift. We tell our children that God has blessed us throughout the year so that we can bless them and others with gifts. We do a lot of donating throughout the year and even more in the month of December. We go shopping so they can pick something out for others. We want our kids to have an understanding that it's not what they get, but what they give, and that doesn't stop with materialistic things either. Why not have this mentality and spirit year round? It doesn't just have to be the Christmas season to pour out love and blessings.
We still sing all the Christmas songs whether Santa is mentioned or not. We still have ornaments and wrapping paper with Santa on them. It's not like we pretend the persona doesn't exist.
I have told my kids that they are not allowed to tell other children that Santa isn't real. Those children will find out one day and it's not my kids' place to interfere. My kids know the truth about it. Someday these other children will eventually find out that Santa doesn't really come to their house when they're sleeping, so we don't even go there. Now, they are free to share why WE celebrate Christmas. Everyone should be aware of that!

My kids are still very excited to see what is put under the tree for them. It's still a joyous and "magical" time. I just pray that my kids will always remember the reason for the season and will pass it on to their children. If it wasn't for Jesus there would be no gifts under a tree, no Santa, and no Christmas.

Bible verses for the Christmas Story:
Luke 1:26-38
Matthew 1:18-25
Luke 2:1-14-20
Matthew 2:1-12



*Info from St. Nicholas Center

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Blessings at Kerusso + Giveaway

Kerusso is the place to go for Christian Tshirts and other gifts. Kerusso has been providing the public with Christian themed apparel for over 20 yrs. I know the mall by my house has a cart with so many neat shirts! These T-shirts are a great conversation starter and witnessing tool. I've owned a few different ones since I became a Christian 15 years ago. You have to read the testimony of the man who started this company! It's great to see the lengths that God will go to to show Himself real to us. Vic didn't like to read, but he had to read a book before he was delivered from his atheist beliefs. I LOVE my newest T-shirt from Kerusso. I must say my husband loves it too. I call it my "Bling T." They have so many other awesome T-shirts as well. Go to their website and check it out!
 Kerusso has something for everybody! They have great prices and good quality items. From now thru Dec. 23 you can get FREE SHIPPING on your purchase of $27 or more. This is the best place to go shopping for that special gift. Christmas is almost here! 
 My kids got to review these adorable puppies called "Faithful Friends." Their names are Joy, Charity, and Courage.


Joy is like happiness that starts in your spirit and never goes away! 1 Thes. 5:16

Charity is a special kind of love that cares more about others than about yourself. 1 Cor. 13:13

Real Courage is knowing that you never need to be afraid because God is watching over you! 1 Cor. 16:13

All 3 of my kids picked the dog they wanted and now they cherish it. They each have a special scripture that goes with their new friend.
"Like" Kerusso on Facebook
"Follow" them on Twitter
Subscribe to their RSS Feed

You don't want to miss when new products are available so you need to keep in contact.

GIVEAWAY TIME
1 winner will receive a pack of Faithful Friends. What a great gift!
I received these items from the wonderful folks at Kerusso for the purpose of this review.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

GO GREEN + Giveaway

CONGRATULATIONS SANDRA S! Your entry for "Following My Life & Kids Library" blog got you the win!

Many of us are trying to live healthier lives and make "greener" choices for our families. GO-GREEN Packaging is helping us with those choices. 
Go-Green Objectives: 
  • Design food packaging that minimizes product waste and shrink.
  • Implement the 3-R's (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) of eco-friendly packaging into your product strategy.
  • Help reduce the environmental impact of packaging materials by using green solutions and materials wherever possible.
  • Engineer food packaging to focus on source reduction.
  • Minimize to the fullest extent the carbon footprint of the overall package.
  • Provide customers and end users with unbiased information in this complex new world of sustainable packaging. 
Their website has so much helpful information. It explains all those different recycle codes on containers and what can be made out of those recycled materials.
 GO-GREEN packaging offers a complete range of materials for today's rigid tray and lidding packaging requirements and upscale trends.
All companies that distribute food should really partner up with Go-Green packaging! They have trays and lids for a variety of needs.
I had the opportunity to try out the clear trays.
These trays are manufactured using 50% post consumer recycled 
PET, have excellent transparency and high gloss, and are non toxic. 
Best of all these trays are recyclable and can be reused or
re-manufactured to make new products. GO-GREEN's 
manufacturing technology saves 30% energy, has 
21% less CO2 emissions and reduces the overall amount of 
packaging.
I haven't thrown very many in the recycle bin either. My kids use them for their sandwiches and snacks and I will rinse them for the next use. They are great for storing leftovers in the fridge. I just cover the top with Saran wrap. You can use them for organizing your desk drawer or anything else. This is a very useful item that you can feel good about using. 


To keep track of all the awesome things Go-Green is doing to help the environment "Like" them on Facebook and "Follow" them on Twitter.


GIVEAWAY TIME
1 winner will receive 100 clear storage trays. You will use them all, believe me.
I received this product for the purpose of this review.